I passed my HGV Class 1 test many years ago and when I reached my
45th birthday I had to apply for renewal. At the time I was undergoing
treatment for a condition which I felt could have affected the chances
of me passing the medical and therefore the renewal of my licence. I
decided not to apply at the time, but my medical condition has since
improved.

Can I now apply for renewal of my entitlement without having to
retake my test and go through everything from scratch? - Harry, Suffolk

A GOOD news Harry - you do not need to sit the test again. You can
reapply for your Class 1 entitlement by completing a D2 form and a D4
medical report form (that must be completed by a doctor) and sending
them to the DVLA. There is no requirement to re-sit a test. Class 1
entitlement is the equivalent of Category C + CE (with no restrictions).
This is the new EU classification.

Large goods vehicle (LGV replaced the term HGV) or passenger
carrying vehicle (PCV replaced the term PSV) driving licence
entitlements are valid until your 45th birthday. After that, you need to
renew your entitlement every five years until you are 65. After the age
of 65, you have to renew your licence every year.

The DVLA claim that they send the forms 90 days before the expiry
of the driving entitlement. You must ensure that you and your doctor
answer all the relevant questions. You will also need to enclose
original documentation confirming your identity and a passport-style
colour photograph.

Many farmers ask about the licensing regulations they have to
comply with when they are driving predominantly on their private land,
but need to cross the odd public road. As long as the use is mainly
agricultural and the use of the public highway is incidental, the driver
does not need to hold the appropriate heavy goods entitlements.

I will reserve my personal views of tractor drivers for another
week!

CAPTION(S):

What ARE the rules for farmers and their tractors?

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